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Indian 25 min Easy
Tomato Rice
Tangy South Indian rice cooked with tomatoes and a simple tempering.
Origin & Story
A South Indian lunchbox favourite, tomato rice (thakkali sadam) is a clever way to use up leftover rice, tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves.
Main Spices & Their Role
Mustard seeds
Popped in oil for a nutty crackle.
Curry leaves
Add an unmistakable citrus-herb aroma.
Red chilli powder
Balances the tomato's tang with heat.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 2 tomatoes, pureed
- 1 tsp mustard seeds
- 8 curry leaves
- 1/2 tsp chilli powder
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 tbsp oil
- Salt
Method
- 01
Heat oil and splutter mustard seeds with curry leaves.
- 02
Add onion and cook until golden.
- 03
Pour in tomato puree and chilli powder; cook until thick.
- 04
Fold in the cooked rice and salt.
- 05
Toss gently until evenly coated and serve.
Veg & Vegan Alternatives
Vegetarian
This dish is already vegetarian.
Vegan
Already vegetarian and vegan — cook in oil (not ghee/butter) to keep it fully plant-based.